Staff throughout the district have attended various professional development opportunities. Some teachers, aides, administrators, and providers from all levels attended a full-day Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training. We are planning another session later this school year. At our elementary school sites, staff have attended training sessions in iReady, DIBELS, Fundations, Wilson, and Unique. Secondary staff have been included in a Unique training as well as a co-teaching training.

The district has also hosted webinars for parents on topics such as the mCLASS DIBELS screener, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Aeries. Click on the image below to see the mCLASS DIBELS presentation. 

Board Presentation

At the November 19, 2025 Board Meeting, the special education department provided a presentation to the community. This included progress on LCAP goals, co-teaching, reading intervention, instructional assistant training, the New Special Education Teacher Academy, parent resources, two-way communication, and current data trends. Click on the photo below to see the full presentation.

This year, we welcomed a new Special Day Class teacher, Victoria Borgerding at Pacific Elementary. She has created a positive and engaging classroom environment for both students and staff. Students work diligently toward their goals while also participating in science experiments, art projects, and hands-on activities—such as growing and caring for pumpkins—that help build a wide range of skills. Our dedicated and caring SDC staff take a forward-thinking approach, providing inclusive opportunities that support friendship building, including friendship club and invitations to class events. 

Introduction to IEPs-Part 1: We welcome all families with a child who is currently being assessed for special education to join us. This is a recurring presentation that will review the assessment process, the initial IEP meeting, and answer any questions. All presentations will take place at the District Office from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming Dates:

January 23, 2026
March 6, 2026
April 17, 2026
May 29, 202

SEAC:

Our 2025-26 Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Site Representatives and Community Advisory Council (CAC) can be found here. 

Our SEAC school site representatives have hosted successful SEAC coffee chats throughout the district. These meetings have been a place where families and school staff can meet to discuss topics related to special education and IEPs. 

Additionally, we have held one SEAC meeting at the district on October 30, 2025. Click here to see the presentation.

SEAC Site Representatives will also meet three more times this school year:

December 18, 2025

February 19, 2026

April 30, 2026

CAC:

The SELPA CAC awards will be held on April 23, 2026, at West High School in Torrance. The reception starts at 5:00 p.m., and the ceremony starts at 6:00 p.m. If you are planning on attending to support our award winners this year, please mark your calendars.

Our Special Education Coordinators will continue to hold office hours. These office hours will allow for an additional way parents can communicate with coordinators and help address questions/concerns regarding their child’s IEP.

Special Education Coordinator (elementary), Sam Hucker, will have office hours for elementary families:

February 4, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

April 28, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Sign up here (for all days)

Special Education Coordinator (secondary), Allison Desfor, will have office hours for secondary families:

March 12, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

June 3, 2026, from 11:30-1:30 p.m.

Sign up here (for all days)